Grandstands bombarded with pyrotechnics
©IMAGO
The lucky victory against Dynamo Dresden when they were outnumbered and after a penalty was saved has completely faded into the background for Hertha’s coach Stefan Leitl. After the scandalous evening with two game interruptions due to pyrotechnics and a pitch storm, it is difficult for him to classify Hertha’s 1-0 (0-0) win.
“I was approached, what outweighs? I’m happy for my team. I’m happy that we won the game because it’s about sport. Everything else has no place on the football pitch. What unfortunately happened here in Dresden this evening is very disappointing for football Germany,” said Leitl. The Hertha coach further added: “Two great clubs, a great stadium, the conditions are almost perfect to be able to enjoy an evening of football, then something like that.”
Fans storming onto the pitch caused a scandal at the game. Both fan camps had previously ignited pyrotechnics. Then suddenly Hertha and Dynamo supporters jumped over the fences. The Dresden supporters ran across the pitch, masked up, towards the Hertha fan block. Both fan camps shot pyrotechnics back and forth.
Referee Sven Jablonski had to interrupt the second division match and sent the teams to the dressing room after the riots. He received praise from both coaches for his professional handling of the difficult situation. Meanwhile, police tried to push the Dynamo supporters back into their block. A Hertha flag was then burned down there.
Dynamo coach Thomas Stamm was also more than contrite. Everything was set up for a great evening of football, he said. But now afterwards, other things predominate. “Now the focus is on things that have no place in football,” criticized Stamm.
Hertha signing Brekalo sees red, Winkler scores to win
In terms of sport, both teams equalized in midfield. There were few big chances in the first half, which lasted a total of 71 minutes including the interruptions. After the change there was more speed. From the 66th minute, Hertha had to operate outnumbered. Josip Brekalo didn’t hit the ball, but he hit Dresden’s Robert Wagner with his open sole. Jablonski showed the red card for this.
Dynamo then increased the pressure. After a handball by Paul Seguin, a penalty was given to Dresden after a video review by Jablonski. But Hertha’s Tjark Ernst (77th minute) saved the penalty against Vincent Vermeij. Almost in return, Marten Winkler (80′) headed the visitors’ lead.
Suddenly the Hertha fans, who had temporarily stopped supporting after the events, were singing again. Thanks to their success, the Berliners moved a little closer to the promotion zone. Dresden remains in the middle of a relegation battle.
